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Learn how clinicians can reduce pain during intrauterine device placement with evidence-based, patient-centered approaches to improve accessibility and patient experience.

Dr. Bayer highlights pain management strategies for IUD placement

Researchers have identified key neuroactive steroid imbalances in the third trimester that may predict postpartum depression risk, paving the way for earlier intervention and preventive treatments.

Study links neuroactive steroids to postpartum depression risk

A new study highlights a strong link between placental inflammation and preterm birth, with developing regions showing higher incidences of infection-related complications.

Inflammation linked to preterm birth in developing regions

A new study highlights how neighborhood-level socioeconomic deprivation in early pregnancy significantly raises the long-term risk of cardiovascular disease in postpartum women, emphasizing the role of social determinants in maternal health.

Socioeconomic disadvantage in pregnancy linked to postpartum CVD risk

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A Psychedelic to Treat Postpartum Depression?

CMV: In the Know

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Supplement: Closing the Gap in Cervical Cancer Screening

Vaginismus: Managing a Misunderstood and Underdiagnosed Condition

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Efficacy found from biopsychosocial approach

Sexual health

Somi Javaid, MD, FACOG, a board-certified OB-GYN and expert in menopause and sexual health, discussed the importance of a biopsychosocial approach in improving sexual health outcomes. 

Javaid highlighted how sexual wellness is a crucial aspect of overall health, affecting mental well-being, confidence, relationships, and even physical health, particularly pelvic floor function. She explained that sexual health issues often contribute to anxiety, depression, and isolation, as many women feel alone in their struggles. Despite the prevalence of sexual health concerns, impacting nearly 43% of women, many patients experience dismissal from health care providers, leading them to feel invisible. Javaid shared examples of patients receiving inadequate advice, reinforcing the stigma and lack of proper medical attention given to women's sexual health.

The biopsychosocial approach, which Javaid advocated, addresses 3 critical components. The first is biological, including neurochemistry, hormones, medications, and medical history, all of which impact sexual function.

The second component is psychological, which encompasses thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and beliefs about intimacy. These factors significantly influence sexual health.

Finally, Javaid discussed the social component. This includes relationships, work, family dynamics, and financial stressors, which can also impact sexual well-being.

Javaid stressed that successful treatment requires a comprehensive, individualized plan. Unlike male sexual health, which often revolves around blood flow and has numerous treatment options, female sexual health requires a multidimensional approach. Treatments should integrate medication such as FDA-approved drugs Addyi and Vyleesi for low libido, pelvic floor therapy, sexual health counseling, and curated products. Patient comfort and belief systems should be factored into the plan to ensure effectiveness. Education is also essential, as empowering patients with knowledge about their sexual health fosters better outcomes.

By utilizing the biopsychosocial model, health care providers can offer a well-rounded, patient-centered approach, ultimately enhancing women's sexual health and overall quality of life.

This video is part 2 of a 3-part series. Click 

Discover how a comprehensive biopsychosocial approach addressing biological, psychological, and social factors can improve sexual health, boost confidence, and enhance overall well-being.

Clinical

Efficacy found from biopsychosocial approach to women’s sexual health

Somi Javaid, MD, FACOG, a board-certified OB-GYN and expert in menopause and sexual health, discussed gender disparities in sexual health awareness and treatment. 

Javaid highlighted that historically, women's sexual health has been overlooked in medicine, with women primarily seen as either vehicles for male pleasure or vessels for childbirth. Despite sexual health being a fundamental aspect of overall well-being and recognized as a basic human right by the World Health Organization, systemic barriers such as lack of education, data, female leadership, provider training, and funding have resulted in significant gender disparities in sexual health care. Additionally, a dismissive attitude within the medical community often leads to the neglect of these concerns, despite the availability of treatment options for other non-life-threatening conditions.

Javaid also addressed limitations in traditional sexual health treatments for women. A stark disparity exists between FDA-approved treatments for men vs women, with 29 medications available for male sexual health and only 2 available for women. High costs and stricter regulatory requirements for female-specific treatments further exacerbate this issue. Many women remain unaware that their decreased sexual desire could be linked to treatable conditions such as hypoactive sexual desire disorder. 

Even when treatments exist, insurance coverage remains biased, often reimbursing providers significantly less for female conditions vs male ones. For example, Viagra, a well-known male sexual health drug, is widely covered, while female-focused treatments such as Addyi remain underutilized because of lack of awareness, advertising restrictions, and insurance denials.

Javaid shared a striking example of this disparity. A patient struggling with sexual pain was denied insurance coverage for a prescribed vaginal suppository, while her husband’s Viagra was fully covered. The insurance company deemed female sexual health treatment as "elective," reinforcing the systemic bias. These inequities highlight the urgent need for improved education, awareness, policy changes, and a comprehensive biopsychosocial approach to ensure equitable sexual health care for women.

This video is part 1 of a 3-part series. Click 

Despite sexual health being a fundamental right, women face significant disparities in treatment, awareness, and insurance coverage—highlighting the need for systemic change.

Dr. Somi Javaid highlights disparities in sexual health

What is your diagnosis of this placental lesion in a late second trimester pregnancy?

Daily Dx: Placental Lesion

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Challenge your diagnostic skills with this image quiz: Is this ovarian lesion cystic in nature or something else?

Image IQ: Ovarian Cyst or Something Else?

A 27-year-old woman presents with an 18-month history of vulvar irritation. She is otherwise healthy except for episodes of depression. She has tried multiple agents for her condition including topical steroids, Vagisil, antibiotics, and fluconazole. She used oral steroids but developed knee pain. Tacrolimus has not helped. A biopsy revealed lichen simplex chronicus. Immunofluorescent studies were negative.

A 27-year-old woman presents with an 18-month history of vulvar irritation. She has tried multiple agents for her condition including topical steroids, Vagisil, antibiotics, and fluconazole without relief. What's your diagnosis?

Vulvar irritation in a 27-year-old woman

Saying "obstetrician-gynecologist" is a mouthful for most people, and it's probably the most abbreviated specialty in medicine, both spoken and written. However, there doesn't seem to be a consensus on how to pronounce OB-GYN. First, is it the two-syllable "O-B" or the monosyllabic "Ob"? Second, is it "gin" or "gyne" (like "Lyme")? I wonder if you have a preference. I know I do.

Almost nobody says "obstetrician-gynecologist" when speaking about these specialist physicians. But what's the "correct" way to pronounce OB/GYN?

Monica J. Janke, MD

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